A Mom’s Guide to Dubai!

Must-visit attractions:

• Burj Khalifa: No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting the world’s tallest building. The observation deck gives you breathtaking views of the city, and the kids will love spotting famous landmarks from the sky.

• Dubai Mall Fountain: This water show is a mesmerizing experience for the whole family. The fountain dances to music, and it’s an easy stop after shopping or dining in the nearby mall.

• Dubai Frame: A stunning, giant frame offering panoramic views of both Old and New Dubai. The kids will love walking across the glass bridge and seeing the city below their feet.

• Souq Madinat Jumeirah: This traditional market has everything you need for a family outing. Beautiful shops, delicious food and even boat rides along the canals.

• Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR): With its sandy beaches, playgrounds and outdoor dining, JBR is perfect for a relaxed day with the kids.

• Palm Jumeirah: This iconic man-made island offers luxurious resorts, fine dining and amazing views, especially from the Atlantis Aqua-venture Waterpark.

• Dubai Marina: A vibrant waterfront area with restaurants, shops and the Dubai Marina Walk. You can also take a boat ride for a scenic view of the skyscrapers.

Parks & theme parks:

• Legoland Dubai: A Lego lover’s dream come true! The kids will have a blast building, riding and exploring the park's fun, interactive zones. Suitable for kids up to 12 years old.

• Motiongate Dubai: This movie-themed park is full of thrilling rides, character meet-and-greets and exciting attractions for all ages.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure: An indoor adventure park with everything from Marvel superheroes to dinosaurs. It’s great for keeping the kids entertained, especially on hot days.

Waterparks:

• Legoland Waterpark: A fun-filled waterpark with splash zones, slides and kid-friendly attractions. Perfect for a family day of water fun.

• Atlantis Aqua-venture: With thrilling water slides, a lazy river and a private beach, Aqua-Venture is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

• Wild Wadi: Located near the iconic Burj Al-Arab, Wild Wadi has water rides and attractions that will keep the kids entertained for hours.

Unique Experiences:

• The Green Planet Dubai: An indoor tropical rainforest where kids can explore exotic wildlife and learn about the environment in a hands-on way. Not for the faint-hearted, though, bats fly around you!

• Miracle Garden (Seasonal): With over 50 million flowers, this garden is like walking through a dream world of colors and scents. The kids will love the vibrant flower displays.

• The Global Village (Seasonal): A cultural experience with pavilions from all around the world, offering food, shopping and performances. A fun and educational outing for the whole family.

• Oli Oli: A hands-on interactive play museum for kids, where they can explore creative exhibits and activities designed to engage young minds.

• Dubai Safari Park: A vast, family-friendly wildlife park featuring animals from all over the world. It’s an exciting day out with opportunities to learn about conservation.

• Museum of the Future: This futuristic museum is a blend of technology, imagination and interactive exhibits. It’s a great spot to spark curiosity in the kids while learning about the future of science and innovation.

• Dubai Dessert Safari: Offers an exciting adventure with dune-bashing, camel rides, cultural experiences and a beautiful desert sunset, making it a must-do for families.

Things to do:

• Cruise in Dubai Creek Harbor: Hop on a traditional dhow boat for a scenic cruise along Dubai Creek. It’s a calm, relaxing way to see the city from the water.

• Hop-on Hop-off Bus: A great way to explore Dubai's top attractions with the kids. You can get on and off at key points around the city, making it easy to visit multiple spots without the stress of navigating.

• The Palm Monorail: Ride the monorail for a fun, elevated view of the Palm Jumeirah and the luxurious resorts along the way. It’s a short, enjoyable ride that the kids will love.

Shopping:

• Dubai Mall: This massive mall has everything, from shopping and dining to entertainment like an ice rink and aquarium. It’s the ultimate one-stop spot for families.

• Mall of the Emirates: Known for its luxury shops, indoor ski slopes and family-friendly activities, it’s a great destination for a fun and convenient shopping day.

• The Outlet Village: For those who love a bargain, this outlet mall offers discounts on luxury brands, plus it’s designed with a charming European vibe.

• The Outlet Mall: Offering discounts on everything from fashion to home goods, this mall is perfect for family shopping without the hefty price tag.

Day trips:

Adding Abu Dhabi as a day trip or an extension to your Dubai vacation is a fantastic way to explore more of the UAE. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai, Abu Dhabi offers a range of family-friendly activities. You can take the kids to Ferrari World for thrilling rides and attractions. Yas' Waterworld is perfect for a day of water fun, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi offers a cultural experience with its interactive exhibits. And don’t miss out on SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a new marine park where kids can enjoy exciting animal encounters, rides and immersive exhibits. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation or unique experiences, Abu Dhabi provides a great mix of activities for all ages.

• Candilicious Dubai: A true sweet paradise for candy lovers! It’s the ultimate place to indulge in all things sugary. If you're there, you absolutely have to try Garrett’s Caramel Popcorn — you'll be thanking me later, I promise!

• The Global Village: A food lover’s dream, offering a rich variety of international cuisines. It’s perfect for exploring different food cultures, so make sure you go hungry — there’s just too much to try, and you’ll want to sample it all!

• The Cheesecake Factory, Mall of the Emirates: A classic favorite offering an extensive menu of hearty meals and indulgent cheesecakes. The best part? The Mall of Emirates location has direct views of Ski Dubai, keeping the kids entertained while you enjoy your meal.

• China Town, Dubai Mall: If you’re craving authentic Asian flavors, head to China Town in Dubai Mall. You’ll find an array of delicious Chinese dishes that’ll satisfy every craving. Everything we tried was so tasty, it’s hard to pick a favorite — just enjoy!

• Salt, Dubai Mall: A trendy and casual spot serving mouth-watering burgers and fries with a modern twist. The outdoor seating area offers a fantastic view of the Dubai Fountain, making it a perfect place to enjoy your meal while soaking in the scenery.

• Din Tai Fung, Dubai Mall: Known for its famous Taiwanese dumplings and dim sum, Din Tai Fung is a must-try for any fan of Asian cuisine. The Dubai Mall location has direct views of the Dubai Fountain, making your meal even more special.

• Food Court: Hatam and Al Baik: For quick and tasty meals, head to the food courts at Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. There you’ll find favorites like Hatam, serving delicious Persian food, and Al Baik, famous for its crispy Saudi-style fried chicken.

• Viva Ristorante at Riverland Dubai: The perfect spot for a break from the parks. With a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of kid-friendly options like wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta, it’s a great place to refuel and enjoy a delicious meal with the family.

• Al Mashowa Restaurant at Riverland Dubai: A great spot for families, offering delicious Emirati dishes that both kids and adults will enjoy. The relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to take a break from the parks and enjoy a tasty, authentic meal.

• Fix, Dubai’s Viral Chocolate: A dessert lover’s dream, Fix chocolate needs no introduction. While you’ll spot some versions being sold around, the original is only available through Deliveroo, so be sure to order through the app for the true experience!